Amway exec challenges Detroit business leaders to help state's economy through free enterprise

View full sizeMichael Wayland | MLive.comAmway President Doug DeVos speaks at a Detroit Economic Club meeting Thursday at the Westin Book Cadillac, 1114 Washington.

Free enterprise is the best way to help Michigan’s economic turnaround.

That’s according to Amway President Doug DeVos, who called on more than 200 Detroit business leaders and high school students Thursday to do what they can to help capitalism prosper.

“The business community pursuing economic prosperity has the greatest ability to help people live a better life,” he said following a speech at the Detroit Economic Club meeting at the Westin Book Cadillac, 1114 Washington in Blvd. in Detroit. “It’s connected to their personal freedom and their ability to have choices in their life and their future.”

DeVos, who oversees daily operations of the West Michigan-based business, used the company's humble beginnings as an example of how free enterprise can lead to better communities and a more prosperous state.

Amway – founded in 1959 by Jay Van Andel and DeVos’ father, Richard DeVos – went from a home operation in Ada to a multibillion dollar international company. In 2010, the privately held company reported sales of $9.2 billion, a 9.5 percent increase over the sales it reported in 2009. It employs about 14,000 in more than 80 countries and offers brands like Nutrilite vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, Artistry cosmetics and eSpring water filters, to more than 80 countries.

“The free enterprise system allows every company to be successful,” DeVos said. “Just as it allowed Amway, and Meijer, and Ford, and GM; it allowed Microsoft and Facebook.”

He said the 91-year-old chairman emeritus of the Meijer Inc. supercenter chain used free enterprise and entrepreneurship to help others, which in turn helped the community succeed.

“It wasn’t about his wealth,” he said. “It was about how through his business he helped others.”

DeVos said Amway, which has donated more $400 million to charities since 1959, operates on those same principles, as well as working with public officials to make sure legislation doesn't hinder businesses.

DeVos ended his 30-minute speech by challenging the business leaders and students in attendance to use their individual talents to take action and create their own free enterprise.

“We know we are in a tough spot as a community, but it’s up to us to take action and do something about it," he said. "And I believe improving the quality of life for people in our communities is a cause worth fighting for … to make a better life for all.”

Sylvia Miller, 17, of Eastpointe, was one of about 90 students in the audience. The East Detroit High School senior said DeVos’ speech shed light on what her generation can do to help the state.

“It was interesting and informative,” she said. “It makes you more optimistic.”